The extremist regime in Iran oppresses their people, supports terrorists and terror organizations, and poses a daily threat to the safety and security of the American people.  For these reasons, and many more, the United States cannot stand idly by and allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

Because of my strong belief that the United States must swiftly and effectively terminate Iran’s program to build nuclear weapons, today I will support the Conference Report for H.R. 2194, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.  If signed into law, the legislation would establish strict repercussions for the nation of Iran should they choose to continue their pursuit of nuclear weapons or any other proliferation activities, and also imposes these repercussions any other country, company, or entity that chooses to support or assist them.  The dangerous activities of the government of Iran must be stopped and these sanctions are a first step towards ensuring that Americans remain safe at home and abroad.

But my support for this legislation comes with a stipulation.  The Conference Committee added at least seven separate waivers that that would effectively allow the Obama administration to waive almost every sanction and punitive measure within the bill.  I therefore strongly encourage President Obama to fully implement all sanctions within this legislation – without granting any waivers.  The United States must stand firm in their stance that the fanatical regime of Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, plain and simple.  Any waver of this stance on the president’s part could threaten the security of every American.  We have seen the damage that can be done by terrorists who go unchecked – and we can never allow that to happen again.

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